Are you familiar with the old television comedy series Cheers? I have long thought its theme song beautifully captures the heart of the church—especially churches of small memberships:
“Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got…
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you wanna go
Where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name.”
What a joy it was to travel throughout the Beacon District this past fall during Charge Conference season. Worshipping with our congregations and witnessing the genuine relationships between clergy and parishioners filled my heart with joy. I give thanks to God for the opportunity to be present in churches where “everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”
As 2026 steamrolls ahead, my prayer is that our churches will continue to move beyond their walls and learn the names of their neighbors. Making our way in the world today does take everything we’ve got—and the good news is, we’ve got Jesus. The most faithful way we share the gospel is by building relationships grounded in love and trust.
Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Bishop Fairley preach a sermon titled, “What Happens Here…” He began by reminding us of the well-known Las Vegas slogan: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Then he offered a powerful challenge—what happens at the Communion Table should not stay there. God’s table is meant to grow. When we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent forth from worship, we are invited to build relationships and share the love of Christ in tangible ways.
So let us commit to meeting new neighbors and learning new names. Our troubles are often the same, and people long to belong—to be somewhere they are known and welcomed. We know the name above all names—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May we joyfully share him with the world.
Serving Christ together,
Gina